Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Chemistry, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Cost Control, Crane, Data Analysis, Data Processing, Documentation, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Compliance, High School Diploma, Hydraulic Engineering, Identify Issues, Injection Molding, Internal Audit, Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Lift/Move 100 Pounds, Lift/Move 25 Pounds, Machine Tool, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Materials Analysis, Materials Management, Mentoring, Molding Processes, Needs Assessment, Operational Support, Operations Processes, Order Picking/Packing, Physical Demands, Plating Processes, Problem Solving Skills, Process Analysis, Process Improvement, Process Sheet, Product Costing, Production Systems, Quality System Requirements (QSR), Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Resin, Risk, Robotics, Root Cause Analysis, Safety Compliance, Safety Standards, Safety/Work Safety, Scientific Principles, Startup, TS 16949, Technical Leadership, Technical Recruiting, Telephone Skills, Traceability, Trend Analysis
#LI-Skilled-01
Now Hiring: Molding Process Technician III DIRECT HIRE
Schedule: 7pm-7:30am
Join our team in Nicholasville, a city known for its vibrant community and proximity to natural attractions. We are seeking a skilled Process Technician III to play a crucial role in our injection molding and plating operations.
Job Summary
The Process Technician III is a senior-level, hands-on technical position responsible for advanced process setup, troubleshooting, optimization, and stabilization of injection molding and plating processes. This role ensures consistent part quality, reduces scrap and downtime, and applies scientific process control principles. The Process Technician III serves as the technical escalation point on shift, mentors lower-level technicians, and supports continuous improvement, launches, and regulatory compliance.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Advanced Process Setup & Control
- Perform advanced setup, startup, shutdown, and monitoring of injection molding and/or plating processes.
- Establish and adjust process parameters to ensure stable, repeatable production within quality and cycle time targets.
- Follow first-piece approval and process verification procedures.
- Maintain control of process monitoring sheets, change logs, deviations, and setup documentation.
- Apply scientific molding principles to optimize cycle time, quality, and consistency.
- Troubleshooting & Problem Solving
- Troubleshoot complex molding defects including short shots, burns, flash, cracks, dimensional variation, and cosmetic issues.
- Analyze process data and trends to proactively address instability.
- Serve as first escalation for processing issues before engineering involvement.
- Lead root-cause analysis and implement countermeasures in coordination with Engineering and Quality.
- Respond to all quality calls and document corrective actions.
- Equipment, Tooling & Automation Support
- Assist and perform mold changeovers using overhead cranes or hoists.
- Monitor mold condition and coordinate maintenance needs with Tooling and Maintenance.
- Support operation and troubleshooting of robots, EOAT, thermolators, grinders, pickers, and auxiliary equipment.
- Verify machines, robots, and equipment are operating at designed cycle rates.
- Support startup and validation of new molds, processes, and equipment.
- Material & Chemistry Management
- Ensure correct material selection, handling, preparation, and traceability.
- Maintain resin setup for molding processes including regrind control.
- For Injection molding operations:
- Ensure material moisture analysis is completed before each startup and documented.
- Ensure material COA passes per the control plan and recorded before each start-up.
- For plating operations:
- Perform chemistry analysis and enter results into TruChem systems.
- Run and interpret Hull Cell panels; make chemical additions per WI.
- Monitor temperatures, recovery equipment, wastewater treatment, and discharge compliance.
- Troubleshoot material-related process issues.
- Quality, Documentation & Compliance
- Complete all process checks, shift reports, and documentation accurately and on time.
- Support IATF 16949 / TS 16949 quality system requirements.
- Maintain compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards.
- Ensure accurate communication during shift handoffs.
- Complete machine and tool work orders when failures occur on each equipment.
- Support audits and internal reviews.
- Training, Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Mentor and train Process Technicians I & II and production associates.
- Assist supervisors in identifying training needs.
- Participate in Kaizen, Lean, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Recommend improvements to production methods, equipment performance, cost savings, and product quality.
- Maintain 5S standards in personal and shared work areas.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support operational and business objectives.
Skill and Education Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED required; technical or process training strongly preferred.
- 5 years of experience in injection molding and/or plating process operations.
- Advanced knowledge of:
- Injection molding processes and scientific molding principles.
- Mold setup and processing controls.
- Hydraulics and pneumatics.
- Automation, robotics, and EOAT.
- Experience with valve gate systems and hot runner technology preferred.
- Working knowledge of thermoplastic materials including ABS, PC/ABS, GTX.
- Successful completion of Paulson, RJG, or equivalent molding courses strongly preferred.
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and lead technical tasks without constant supervision.
- Strong communication skills across production, engineering, and quality teams.
Physical Demands
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, climbing, kneeling, and reaching.
- Ability to work in high-temperature environments often exceeding 100°F.
- Ability to lift up to 100 pounds and push/pull up to 250 pounds.
- Ability to wear respirators and required PPE for extended periods.
- Moderate to heavy physical exertion required.
Work Environment
- Manufacturing environments including molding presses and plating lines.
- Exposure to loud noise, vibration, airborne particles, fumes, chemicals, wet or humid conditions, and electrical systems.
- High-pace production environment requiring immediate response to issues.
- Required use of PPE at all times.
- Typical schedule is 8–10 hours per day with overtime, off-shift, or weekend coverage as needed.
Authority
- Authority to adjust process parameters within approved limits.
- Authority to stop production due to process instability, quality risk, or safety concerns.
- Authority to direct lower-level technicians during technical events.
- Authority to escalate unresolved issues to Engineering, Maintenance, or Management.
- Authority to recommend process improvements, tooling changes, and corrective actions.
- Authority to support audits, quality containment, and corrective actions.
Benefits
PEAK's benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Dependent Care Savings Account (DCA), and 401K plan. PEAK believes that taking care of our team is essential for success and we are proud to provide benefits that enhance both your well-being and your future. Additionally, our associates may be eligible for Paid Sick Leave as required by Federal, State, or local laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)
PEAK Technical Staffing is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. PEAK does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business need. We encourage all individuals to apply.
Americans Disabilities Act (ADA)
The physical and mental requirements described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to perform the essential physical functions of the position, including sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, and lifting up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Candidate Privacy
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://peaktechnical.com/privacy-policy/ and https://peaktechnical.com/ca-residents-privacy-rights/
AI Recruiting Disclosure
We use AI-assisted tools to help review applications and compare your experience to job requirements, but all hiring decisions are made by human recruiters. You may request a human-only process or opt out of automated communication at any time. Required notices and our latest bias audit are available on our website: www.peaktechnical.com/ai-disclosure.